Search Results (6,905)

High-pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) has been widely used in the extraction of high-quality bioactive compounds. The flavor profiles of cold brew coffee (CBC) prepared by HPCD, traditional cold brew (TCB), and ice drip (ID) were comprehensively evaluated by chromatographic approaches, and their variations were investigated by multivariate statistical methods. ID produced the lightest coffee color while HPCD produced the darkest. No significant difference was found in pH among the three coffee processes. The concentrations of chlorogenic acids and caffeine were the highest in ID but the lowest in HPCD. Seventeen of the forty-eight volatiles were identified as key aroma compounds, contributing nutty, cocoa, caramel, baked, and other coffee flavors to all CBCs. Among them, linalool (OAV = 100.50) was found only in ID and provided ID with unique floral and fruity notes; 2-methyl-5-propylpyrazine (OAV = 17.70) was found only in TCB and gave a roasted aroma. With significantly lower levels of medicine-like and plastic off-flavors, HPCD had a refined aroma experience featuring nutty, cocoa, and caramel notes, though their contents were not the highest. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified 36 aromas that could differentiate three cold brew methods, with TCB and HPCD being the most similar. Aroma sensory tests showed that no significant difference was perceived between TCB and HPCD. These findings provide a profound understanding of CBC flavor produced by cold brew methods from the aspect of composition, indicating that HPCD has great potential to realize TCB-like flavor characteristics in a shorter time. Full article

Background: Crataegus almaatensis, an endemic hawthorn species from Kazakhstan, is known for its rich content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids with significant pharmacological potential. This study aimed to optimize and compare conventional solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) processes for maximizing the extractability of bioactive compounds from hawthorn leaves powder. Methods: The effects of temperature, extraction time, ethanol concentration, and solid-to-liquid ratio (or ultrasound power in the case of UAE) on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays) were systematically evaluated. Results: The UAE method yielded higher concentrations of TPC and TFC, with up to 16% improvement in TPC and reduced ethanol usage (40% (v/v)) compared to SLE (75% (v/v)), demonstrating its efficiency and sustainability. Optimal extraction conditions were identified as 70 °C, 75% ethanol, 34 min, and an S/L ratio of 0.05 g/mL for SLE, 70 °C, 40% ethanol, 44 min, and 100 W US power for UAE. High-resolution HPLC-DAD and LC-Q/TOF-MS analyses confirmed the presence of key phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides, including chlorogenic acid and apigenin-8-C-glucoside-2′-rhamnoside as the most abundant compounds identified. Conclusions: These findings validate UAE as an innovative, eco-friendly method for extracting bioactive compounds from hawthorn leaves and highlight its potential for developing natural antioxidants for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) are highly perishable fruits that rapidly lose their quality properties, even when stored under cold conditions. The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of hesperidin (10, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹) to preserve harvest-ripe strawberry quality during cold storage (2 °C). The data obtained indicate that hesperidin treatments were able to delay fruit metabolism and thus weight loss, while maintaining firmness and delaying colour evolution, obtaining positive results even with the lower concentrations applied. Strawberries treated with hesperidin exhibited a cell membrane with greater integrity, as reflected by a lower loss of electrolytes, resulting from reduced oxidation degradation. In addition, these strawberries maintained a higher concentration of chlorophylls in the calyx during storage, which could be due to a better antioxidant balance and a more effective preservation of their qualities. In this regard, the levels of bioactive substances, including total phenolics and the major anthocyanin compounds present in strawberries, were delayed in hesperidin-treated strawberries. This is the first report highlighting the effectiveness of hesperidin as a postharvest treatment in fruit, specifically in strawberries, delaying senescence. These results suggest that hesperidin, either by itself or in hesperidin-rich extracts, could become a valuable tool for postharvest fruit preservation. Full article

Leaves of Gentiana lutea L., traditionally used for treating heart disorders, represent a sustainable and underutilized source of bitter secoiridoids and xanthones, also found in Gentianae radix—an official herbal drug derived from the same, protected species. As root harvesting leads to the destruction of the plant, using the more readily available leaves could help reduce the pressure on this endangered natural resource. This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of the secoiridoid swertiamarin and the xanthone isogentisin from G. lutea leaves using response surface methodology (RSM). Subsequently, the stability of the bioactive compounds (swertiamarin, gentiopicrin, mangiferin, isoorientin, isovitexin, and isogentisin) in the optimized extract was monitored over a 30-day period under different storage conditions. The influence of extraction time (5–65 min), ethanol concentration (10–90% v/v), liquid-to-solid ratio (10–50 mL/g), and temperature (20–80 °C) was analyzed at five levels according to a central composite design. The calculated optimal extraction conditions for the simultaneous maximization of swertiamarin and isogentisin yields were 50 min extraction time, 30% v/v ethanol concentration, 30 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio, and 62.7 °C extraction temperature. Under these conditions, the experimentally obtained yields were 3.75 mg/g dry weight for swertiamarin and 1.57 mg/g dry weight for isogentisin, closely matching the RSM model predictions. The stability study revealed that low-temperature storage preserved major bioactive compounds, whereas mangiferin stability was compromised by elevated temperature and light exposure. The established models support the production of standardized G. lutea leaf extracts and may facilitate the efficient separation and purification of their bioactive compounds, thereby contributing to the further valorization of this valuable plant material. Full article

This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and extraction efficiency of hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), along with the allergen-modulating potential of extracted bioactive compounds. Six NADESs were synthesized using binary combinations of camphor, thymol, eugenol, and menthol (1:1 molar ratio) and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics simulations (MD simulations). Bioactive compounds were extracted from Thujopsis dolabrata wood biomass via ultrasonic-assisted extraction and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total essential oil yield, estimated semiquantitatively by summing the peak areas of key terpenoid compounds, ranged from 1.91% to 7.90% across different NADES systems, indicating their varied extraction capacities. Molecular docking was performed to assess their allergen-modulating interactions with Amb a 1 and Cry j 1. All NADESs exhibited single-stage decomposition (110–125 °C) except camphor–menthol, which recrystallized. FTIR and simulations confirmed strong hydrogen bonding in eugenol-based NADESs, particularly menthol–eugenol. Extraction identified 47 bioactive compounds, with 4,5α-Epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-7α-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-6β,7β-(oxymethylene) morphinan as the most abundant (9.31–11.16%). It exhibited the highest binding affinity (Cry j 1: −8.60 kcal/mol, Amb a 1: −7.40 kcal/mol) and lowest inhibition concentration (Cry j 1: 0.49 µM, Amb a 1: 3.74 µM), suggesting strong allergen-modulating potential. Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding drove protein–ligand binding. These findings highlight NADESs as effective, sustainable solvents for extracting bioactive compounds with allergen-modulating potential. Full article

This study introduces a novel, two-stage extraction system that combines Ohmic-Accelerated Steam Distillation (OASD) with Supercritical CO₂ Extraction (SSCO₂) to efficiently recover bioactive compounds from plant-based wastes with varying cell wall complexities. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) and cocoa shell were selected as representative models for soft and rigid cell wall structures, respectively. The optimized extraction process demonstrated significantly enhanced efficiency compared to traditional methods, achieving recovery rates in BSG of 89% for antioxidants, 91% for phenolic acids, and 90% for polyphenolic compounds. Notably, high yields of p-coumaric acid (95%), gallic acid (94%), ferulic acid (82%), quercetin (87%), and resveratrol (82%) were obtained with minimal cellular structural damage. For cocoa shells, despite their lignin-rich, rigid cell walls, recovery rates reached 73% for antioxidants, 79% for phenolic acids, and 74% for polyphenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid (94%), catechin (83%), vanillin (81%), and gallic acid (94%). Overall, this hybrid technique significantly improved extraction efficiency by approximately 60% for BSG and 50% for cocoa shell relative to conventional approaches, highlighting its novelty, scalability, and potential for broad application in the sustainable valorization of diverse plant-based waste streams. This research presents a green and efficient platform suitable for valorizing agri-food by-products, supporting circular economy goals. Further studies may explore scale-up strategies and economic feasibility for industrial adoption. Full article

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, with all parts of the tree—including leaves—used traditionally to treat diabetes, infections, pain, and other conditions. Mango leaves contain proteins, minerals, vitamins, and phenolic compounds, including mangiferin, quercetin, and kaempferol, whose content varies by cultivar. This study evaluated the functional and bioactive properties of dried mango leaves from five cultivars (Julie, DLO, Nam Dok Mai, Irwin, and Keïtt) to determine their potential for food and nutraceutical applications. Analyses included water- and oil-related parameters, swelling and solubility indices, foaming and emulsifying properties, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP in hydroalcoholic and water extracts), complemented by FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy. Significant differences between the five analyzed cultivars were observed. Irwin exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (2.65 ± 0.55 mg TE/g DM in DPPH assay), while Nam Dok Mai demonstrated superior foaming capacity (82.69 ± 7.79 mL). Strong correlations (r > 0.9) between reducing sugars and antioxidant capacity suggest cultivar selection based on sugar content could predict antioxidant potential. FT-IR confirmed the presence of polar phenolic and protein compounds. The results demonstrate that mango leaves offer cultivar-dependent functional and antioxidant attributes relevant to food systems. Their targeted valorization may support sustainable industrial applications and circular bioeconomy strategies, particularly in tropical regions where mango cultivation is widespread. Full article

Oudemansiella raphanipes ethanolic extract (ORE) was prepared via ultrasonication-assisted ethanolic extraction and enriched through silica gel and macroporous adsorption resin chromatography to afford a non-/weakly polar fraction (ORE-S) and a polar fraction (ORE-N), respectively. This study aimed to (1) quantify major bioactive components (e.g., polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes) in ORE-S and ORE-N, (2) assess their antioxidant activities, (3) correlate compositional differences with antioxidant function, and (4) identify key antioxidant compounds along with their potential mechanisms of action. By integrating widely targeted metabolomics with network pharmacology, we not only elucidated how enrichment methods influence the antioxidant properties of ORE but also demonstrated the potential of ORE-N as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and natural antioxidants. Full article

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is abundant in nutrients, including polysaccharides, essential amino acids, dietary fiber (DF), and other bioactive compounds. The compound microorganism preparation (CMP), comprising multiple beneficial bacterial groups, is widely used as a feed additive to modulate intestinal microbiota and enhance nutrient absorption in animals. This study investigated the effects of supplementing young sika deer’s concentrated feed with SMS and CMP on total intestinal digestibility, growth performance, serum immune indicators, biochemical parameters, and intestinal microbial composition. Ninety animals were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: control (basal diet), LE1 (basal diet + 5% SMS), and LE2 (basal diet + 5% SMS + 100 mg CMP/deer/day). Results showed that the LE2 group had significantly higher total weight gain (TWG) and average daily gain (ADG) than both the control group and the LE1 group. Levels of crude protein (CP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), blood glucose (GLU), and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) were significantly higher in the LE2 group than in the other groups, with LE1 also showing improvement over the control group. Additionally, ether extract (EE) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were found to be elevated in both the LE1 and LE2 groups when compared to the control group. In contrast, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels as well as urea nitrogen concentrations showed a significant increase in the LE1 group compared to both the control and LE2 groups. Notably, when compared to the control group, there was a significant reduction in the abundance of certain pathogenic bacteria within both the LE1 and LE2 groups; conversely, there was a substantial increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial communities. These results demonstrate that combined SMS and CMP supplementation effectively improves growth performance, nutrient utilization, and intestinal health in young sika deer, suggesting its potential as a functional feed additive. Full article

In this in vitro experimental study, we compared four extraction techniques -dynamic maceration (DME), ultrasound-assisted (UAE), microwave-assisted (MAE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE)- to obtain bioactive extracts from two native Ecuadorian plants, Piper carpunya and Simira ecuadorensis. The effect of extraction techniques was evaluated separately for each specie based on extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays), antimicrobial activity, and chemical composition. All analyses were performed in triplicate and analyzed statistically (ANOVA, p < 0.05). UAE and MAE exhibited the highest extraction yield, while PLE provided extracts with the greatest TPC. However, UAE extracts, particularly for S. ecuadorensis, exhibited superior antioxidant capacity across assays. GC/MS analysis revealed alkanes as predominant constituents, along with minor phenolic and ester compounds. Antimicrobial activity was observed in both species, especially against Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with UAE and MAE extracts being most effective. Compounds such as isoelemicin, phytol, and ethyl linolenate may contribute to the observed bioactivities. These findings highlight the potential of P. carpunya and S. ecuadorensis as natural sources of antioxidants and antimicrobials for food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Walnut septa, traditionally discarded as waste in walnut processing because they primarily serve a structural function in the walnut fruit, have recently gained attention for their potential abundance of phenolic compounds, suggesting their overlooked value. This study aimed to optimise extraction parameters to maximise the extraction yield of bioactive compounds and explore regional variations in antioxidant activity and chemical composition of Juglans regia L. septa. The experimental variables included extraction methods (maceration, dynamic maceration, ultrasound processing, and reflux extraction), temperature, solvent type (methanol, acetone, and ethanol), and the percentage of water in the solvent. The optimal conditions were determined based on the total phenolic content—reflux extraction using 60% ethanol as a solvent for a duration of 60 min. Samples from 12 different regions in Lithuania, Armenia, and Ukraine were analysed for their phenolic and proanthocyanidin content and antioxidant activity using the CUPRAC method. The total phenolic content ranged from 131.55 to 530.92 mg of gallic acid equivalents per g of dry weight of plant material (mg GAE/g dw), while the proanthocyanidin content varied from 1.14 to 7.65 mg of (–)-epicatechin equivalents per g dry weight of plant material (mg EE/g dw). Among all the regions studied, the Šiauliai sample demonstrated the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidant activity, with statistically significant differences compared to the other samples (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that walnut septa are a valuable source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, with significant potential for developing natural nutraceuticals and antioxidant products. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) have gained increasing attention as natural alternatives to synthetic food preservatives due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic properties. Derived from aromatic plants, EOs possess complex chemical compositions rich in bioactive compounds such as terpenes, phenolics, and aldehydes, which contribute to their effectiveness against foodborne pathogens, oxidative spoilage, and genotoxic contaminants. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the potential of EOs in food preservation, highlighting their mechanisms of action, including membrane disruption, efflux pump inhibition, and reactive oxygen species scavenging. Standard assays such as disk diffusion, MIC/MBC, time-kill kinetics, and comet and micronucleus tests are discussed as tools for evaluating efficacy and safety. Additionally, the use of EOs in diverse food matrices and the reduction in reliance on synthetic additives support cleaner-label products and improved consumer health. The review also examines the sustainability outlook, highlighting the potential for extracting EOs from agricultural byproducts, their integration into green food processing technologies, and alignment with the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite promising results, challenges remain in terms of sensory impact, regulatory approval, and dose optimization. Overall, EOs represent a multifunctional and sustainable solution for modern food preservation systems. Full article

Background: Saudi coffee, made from Khawlani beans, is known for its sweeter, less acidic flavor and rich content of bioactive compounds. However, traditional preparation methods are time consuming and inefficient in extracting these compounds, limiting their global appeal. This study introduces an ultrasonic-assisted nanoparticle preparation technique to enhance the extraction efficiency, chemical profile, and sensory quality of Saudi coffee. The method aims to overcome limitations of traditional grinding by reducing the particle size while preserving key bioactive compounds. Methods: Finely ground coffee was subjected to ultrasonic processing at optimized parameters 450 W (60% of 750 W output), with 10 min of pulsed sonication to produce nanoparticles. These were characterized using SEM, FT-IR, XRPD, and particle size analysis. Comparative chemical analysis (caffeine, total phenols) and sensory evaluation were conducted against regular Saudi coffee. Results: Ultrasonication reduced the particle size to ~101 nm, significantly enhancing caffeine (from 0.54 to 3.21 mg/g) and phenolic content (from 426.7 to 1825.3 µg GAE/g). Solubility also increased from 40.7% to 75.9%. Sensory tests showed an improved aroma, mouthfeel, and flavor. These improvements are attributed to an enhanced extraction and surface area at the nanoscale. Conclusion: Ultrasonic-assisted nanoparticle technology significantly improves the physicochemical and sensory properties of Saudi coffee. This approach offers a fast, scalable, and eco-friendly method for quality enhancement, positioning Saudi coffee for greater global competitiveness. Full article

Salicornia europaea L. is a spontaneous halophytic plant, widespread in coastal environments, recognized for its high polyphenol content and bioactivities. In this study, a sustainable extraction strategy was developed by coupling natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to recover bioactive compounds from autochthonous S. europaea collected in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Sixty-one NADES combinations were screened using COSMOtherm software, based on the predicted solubility of isorhamnetin, the major flavonol in Salicornia spp, to identify optimal hydrogen-bond donor (HBD) and acceptor (HBA) pairs. Six selected and prepared NADESs (B:CA, B:Suc, ChCl:U, ChCl:Xil, CA:Glc and Pro:MA) were used to extract S. europaea, and the resulting extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) and antibacterial activity against four ATCC bacterial strains (Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus). Among the tested extracts, Pro:MA exhibited the highest TPC (6.79 mg GAE/g) and interesting antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 0.09 mg GAE/g; ABTS = 8.12 mg TE/g; FRAP = 2.41 mg TE/g). In the antibacterial assays, the Pro:MA extract demonstrated the highest activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.1% to 0.4% v/v and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) from 0.2% to 0.8% v/v. In addition, the Pro:MA extract maintained TPC stability over a 90-day storage period. These findings support the NADES-UAE system as a green and efficient approach for the recovery of bioactive compounds and for the valorization of halophyte plants, such as S. europaea, with promising ready-to-use applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical sectors. Full article

Background: Artocarpus heterophyllus, familiar as jackfruit, is a tropical fruit highly valued not only for its nutritional content but also for its medicinal properties, including potential antidiabetic effects. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the insulinotropic, β-cell proliferative and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties of the ethanol extract of unripe Artocarpus heterophyllus (EEAH) in high-fat-fed (HFF) diet-induced obese mice. Method: We evaluated acute insulin secretion and β-cell proliferation in BRIN-BD11 cells, and assessed in vitro glucose diffusion and starch digestion. In vivo, acute and chronic studies in HFF induced obese mice measured glucose tolerance, body weight, food and fluid intake, and lipid profiles. A preliminary phytochemical screening was also performed. Results: In this study, EEAH exhibited significant antidiabetic activity through multiple mechanisms. EEAH enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in BRIN-BD11 β-cells via K_ATP channel modulation and cAMP-mediated pathways, with partial dependence on extracellular calcium, and it also promoted β-cell proliferation. In vitro assays revealed its ability to inhibit starch digestion and glucose diffusion, indicating delayed carbohydrate digestion and absorption. In high-fat-fed (HFF) obese mice, the acute and chronic oral administration of EEAH improved oral glucose tolerance, reduced fasting blood glucose, decreased body weight, and normalized food and fluid intake. Lipid profile analysis showed increased HDL and reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, while higher doses of EEAH also enhanced gut motility. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids, which are likely responsible for these therapeutic effects. Conclusion: These findings highlight EEAH as a promising natural candidate for adjunctive therapy in managing type 2 diabetes and associated metabolic disorders and emphasize the importance of future multi-omics studies to elucidate its molecular targets and pathways. Full article